WWDC 2024 Recap: Apple's Advanced Features and Improvements 2024

Spotlight Search Enhancements

Apple has improved Spotlight Search in iOS 18, allowing users to search for content in apps using natural language queries. This means that users can now search for content using terms that are similar in meaning, rather than requiring exact matches.

iOS 18 Compatibility

Only certain devices will be compatible with iOS 18 when it is released later in the fall. These devices include the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, as well as iPads and Macs with M1 or newer chips.

New Permissions for Apps

Apple is introducing a new two-step permissions pop-up screen for apps that request full address book access. This will first ask users to allow or deny access to their contacts, and then allow them to choose which contacts they want to share if they allow access.

Apple Watch Features

The Apple Watch now includes the ability to pause activity rings, which can be useful for users who need to pause their progress due to various reasons.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is a new AI-powered feature that will allow users to create AI images of people they are messaging with. It will also provide personalized experiences and understand the context of conversations.

ChatGPT Integration

ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI's GPT-4 and other generative AI models, will be integrated into Siri and other Apple apps. This will allow users to interact with AI-powered chatbots in a more natural and personalized way.

Apple TV+ Features

Apple TV+ will include a new feature called InSight, which will provide viewers with information about actor names and song titles as they appear on the screen. It will also have Shazam-like functionality to highlight songs and allow users to add them to their Apple Music playlists.

Siri Enhancements

Siri will receive enhancements, including the addition of generative AI features that make it seem more natural and personalized. It will also be able to handle stumbles in speech and better understand context.

Apple Intelligence for Developers

Apple will provide developers with tools to integrate Apple Intelligence into their software, allowing for generative AI image generation and new prompts to Siri.

Passwords App

Apple has introduced a new Passwords app that allows users to easily navigate and manage their password collection. It includes features such as a new column for navigation and the ability to view specific types of passwords.

Smart Script and Calculator for iPad

The iPad will receive a new "Smart Script" feature that cleans up handwriting in Notes, and a new Calculator app that includes features such as Math Notes and additional functionality on the larger screen.

macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia is the latest version of the operating system, which includes various improvements and new features.

Messages via Satellite and Revamped Photos App in iOS 18

iOS 18 introduces a new feature that allows users to send messages via satellite when they have no cellular or Wi-Fi signal. This works similarly to Apple's existing emergency SOS feature. 

When you have no signal, you'll be given the option to find a satellite to relay your message data. However, you'll need to keep your phone pointed in the right direction while doing so. An overlay will appear above your messages to remind you to maintain the proper positioning.

Revamped Photos App

Apple has also significantly redesigned the Photos app in iOS 18. The new interface provides more intuitive navigation and organization tools to help users better manage their growing photo libraries.

Some of the key changes include:

- Improved sorting and filtering options to surface relevant photos more easily

- Enhanced editing capabilities with more advanced AI-powered tools

- Tighter integration with iCloud to ensure seamless syncing across devices

- Expanded sharing and collaboration features for photos and albums

The goal of these updates is to make the Photos app a more powerful and user-friendly hub for managing, editing, and sharing your visual memories.

Tap to Cash: A New Payment Method in iOS 18

One of the notable additions in iOS 18 is Tap to Cash, a feature that allows users to make payments by tapping two iPhones together. This functionality is an extension of Apple Pay's existing Tap to Pay feature, which uses NFC technology to facilitate transactions.

Enhanced Security

The new Tap to Cash feature offers an added layer of privacy by allowing users to transfer money without sharing any personal information. This enhanced security element provides users with greater peace of mind when making payments.

iOS 18

Tap to Cash is part of the broader set of features and improvements in iOS 18, which aims to enhance the overall user experience and provide more convenient and secure payment options.

Customization Options

The upcoming iOS 18 release includes several customization features that users have been requesting. These include the ability to set app icons and widgets anywhere on the Home Screen, allowing users to personalize their layout and hide their background photos. Additionally, the operating system will support dark mode icons with different color schemes.

Craig Federighi's Insights

Apple SVP of software engineering Craig Federighi highlighted the significance of iOS 18, stating that it delivers more ways to customize the iPhone, stay connected, and relive special moments. The release is expected to be a major update that incorporates artificial intelligence and enhances the overall user experience.

VisionOS 2: Enhancing Productivity and Immersive Experiences

VisionOS 2 brings several updates, including productivity enhancements and new immersive experiences. One of these features allows users to spatialize photos using AI technology, transforming regular photos into immersive experiences. Another feature introduces a new navigation option, enabling users to switch to the home screen by tapping or flip their hand over to access the control center with notifications, shortcuts, and more.

Spatial Photos

The new spatial photo feature utilizes machine learning to build out additional angles, marking a significant improvement over the existing method, which required images to be shot on an iPhone 15 Pro or the Vision Pro itself.

Global Availability

The Vision Pro headset will be available in eight new countries for those outside of the United States.

AI Focus

Apple has been criticized for its AI capabilities, which have fallen behind those of its competitors. Instead of focusing on flashy AI features, the company should prioritize useful AI that enhances user experiences.

Generative AI

Rumors suggest that Apple is transitioning employees to generative AI operations following the electric car implosion. However, it appears that the company has ceded a significant head start to the competition. As a result, Apple may need to partner with a reigning powerhouse like OpenAI to stay competitive.

Compatibility

Some rumors indicate that the generative AI feature will be available on a limited number of older devices, including iPads and Macs running an M1 chip or higher and the iPhone 15 Pro. This means that the standard iPhone 15 may not be compatible with this feature.